Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced four venues for the upcoming season of the Women's Premier League (WPL). BCCI's vice president Rajeev Shukla has confirmed Sports Tak that Mumbai, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Vadodara will host the WPL 2025.
WPL 2025's four venues announced
The upcoming season of the WPL is poised to be a significant milestone for women's cricket in India. The BCCI's concerted efforts to develop women's cricket in recent years are now yielding tangible results.
The first edition of the WPL was held in Mumbai, followed by the second edition in Delhi and Bengaluru. This year, the league is set to expand its reach, with four stadiums across the country hosting matches.
This decision stems from the overwhelming support witnessed in these cities during previous seasons. The tournament will culminate with the final at the newly-built Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
The Kotambi Stadium, located 20 kilometers from Vadodara city, recently hosted its first international matches during the India Women's ODI series against the West Indies. Currently, it is hosting the knockout stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Mumbai has consistently proven to be a strong supporter of women's cricket, with most matches attracting capacity crowds across venues like Brabourne Stadium, Wankhede Stadium, and DY Patil Stadium. Recognising this fervent support, the decision was made to commence the WPL in Mumbai. The city hosted the entire tournament in 2023, while Bengaluru and Delhi shared hosting duties last year.
While an official announcement is yet to be made, reports suggest that WPL 2025 will commence on February 6th or 7th. The BCCI has reportedly held informal discussions with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) and the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) regarding the hosting of matches. A formal announcement with the complete schedule and venues is expected soon.
The final of the WPL 2025 is likely to be held around March 8th or 9th. The league will feature 23 matches played across four venues, providing a significant boost to both teams and players. By staging the tournament in multiple locations, the BCCI aims to promote the growth of women's cricket across the country.
The WPL 2025 auction recently concluded, with all franchises bolstering their squads. Royal Challengers Bangalore, the defending champions after defeating Delhi Capitals in the thrilling final, will be eager to maintain their momentum and secure another title. This victory marked the franchise's first championship in the history of franchise cricket.